Is Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad a Public Holiday?
Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad is observed as a public holiday in India. Hence, this day is a holiday for the general population. Hence, schools, universities, colleges, academic institutions, post offices, banks, and several marketing stores remain closed on this day.
Islamic institutions, schools and businesses remain closed for either the full or half day. Several private and government offices also remain closed on this day. Some businesses may declare this day as a working day. Due to prayer meetings, parades and public processions, traffic congestion may occur. Therefore, you should stay updated on the local public transit systems for this day. This is particularly for districts or areas with a predominant Muslim residency.
Eid e-Milad History
Eid e-Milad History holds high significance in Islam and marks the beginning of its observance. During the early days of Islam, the holy birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed was celebrated privately, but due to more people visiting Mawlid’s house, this day gained high prominence since the house had to be kept open fir the whole day. Abu ’l’Abbas al-Azafi, a religious scholar, took upon this opportunity and introduced this celebration in the city of Sabta as a way of strengthening the bond between the Muslims, increasing brotherhood and counteracting Christian festivals.
In the earlier days, animal sacrifices, torch processions, public feasts and sermons were carried out in full force. As per the “Muhammad in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Prophet of God”, since Mohammad fasted on the occasion of his birthday on Monday, this reason was cited behind the observance of Mawlid or Milad ul-Nabi. The festival of Mawlid was foremost introduced in Baghdad by Abbasids. However, with ever-rising modernism, celebrations on Eid e-Milad have drastically changed.
Mawlid Celebrations
On the day of Mawlid, people remember the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and his kindness among themselves. Large prayer meets, family get-together and torch light processions are carried out with people celebrating the delightful occasion of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Several verses (naats) and poems are sung praising the Prophet, since it is believed that reciting such verses helps one attain heavenly rewards and special grace of the Divine One. Although, Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims have a different take on Mawlid celebrations and follow different rules when it comes to observing the day. As per the Shia community, the day of Mawlid was the day when as his successor, Prophet Mohammed chose Hazrat Ali. On the other hand, Sunni Muslims hold community prayers for the whole month.
On this day, mosques are decorated with flowers and lights, grand feasts are organized, donations and charities are made and stories based on the life of Prophet Mohammed are recited. Grand street processions mark the observance of this day. People get together, wear new clothes and offer Namaz while carrying out other rituals and customs. Many of them pay a visit to the holy Hazratbal Shrine located in Hazratbal, Srinagar, near Dal Lake. The day is incomplete without relishing on delicious Seviyan and Sheer Khurma.
Many activities on Milad un-Nabi in India include:
- Night-long prayers
- Large crowd processions
- Festive banners being hoisted in mosques, streets, building and homes
- Community feasts within localities and mosques
- Rites and rituals over the footprints of the Prophet Mohammed
- Reciting Naats, preachings of the Prophet and stories related to his life
- Cultural exhibitions glorifying the deeds of Prophet Mohammed
Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mon | 11 November | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2020 | Fri | 30 October | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2021 | Wed | 20 October | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2022 | Sun | 9 October | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2023 | Thu | 28 September | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2024 | Tue | 17 September | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2025 | Sat | 6 September | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad | Gazetted Holiday |
FAQs
1. Is Milad un-Nabi or Id e-Milad a bank holiday in India?
Milad un-Nabi or Id e-Milad is a bank holiday in India.
2. Which Prime Minister of India declared Eid e-Milad as a public holiday?
Vishwanath Pratap Singh, the 7th Prime Minister of India declared this eventful day as a public holiday.
3. How many Eids are celebrated in Islam?
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two major Eids celebrated in Islam.
4. Islamic Calendar is based on the movement of which planet?
Islamic Calendar is a Lunar Calendar, which means it is created based on the movement, sighting, visibility and monthly cycles of the Moon.
Milad-un-Nabi Celebrations In Other Countries
From the above information, it is evident that the event of Milad un-Nabi or Eid e-Milad 2023 in India is observed on Thursday, 28 September with great enthusiasm.
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